Key figures on the board of historic manufacturer MV Agusta have reportedly been exploring a potential MotoGP return in 2027.
KTM acquired 50.1% of the Italian-based company in Spring 2024 and highlighted an ambition to return to MotoGP when the new regulations come into play in 2027.
However, amidst KTM’s insolvency proceedings the Austrian company was forced to sell its share of MV Agusta, with the Sardarov family set to take over as majority shareholders.
Former CEO of MV Agusta Hubert Trunkenpolz returned to the Varese-based factory as Chairman of the Supervisory Board and met with current CEO Luca Martin to discuss the company’s plans.
Reports suggest Trunkenpolz is set to travel to the German Grand Prix to explore a potential return to MotoGP in 2027 with Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, with the Italian manufacturer hoping it will be able to lease engines from another company.
“We need to figure out what the technical regulations will look like for MV Agusta when Liberty Media gets involved,” Trunkenpolz said to GPOne.
“We hope the regulations will be aligned with the conditions in Formula 1, where a constructor team like McLaren can lease competitive engines from Mercedes and win.
“Quite honestly, with the resources available, MV Agusta won’t be able to develop its own 850cc four-cylinder engine for MotoGP. It would therefore make sense for manufacturers and teams to share engines – like in Formula 1.”
“We can commission the chassis from a company like Kalex. If such a project is permitted in MotoGP, it would be an option for MV to return to the premier class.”
‘MotoGP or nothing’ for MV Agusta’s motorsport ambitions
Key figures within the MV Agusta ranks have suggested that the only opportunity for the manufacturer to return to racing is if it has an opportunity in MotoGP.
The Italian manufacturer won 36 championship titles in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, with 13 coming from legend Giacomo Agostini.
Despite its last appearance in racing being a partnership with Forward Racing in the Moto2 class from 2019 to 2023, the MV board insist the sole focus is on returning to the premier class.
“We are doing MotoGP or nothing,” CEO Martin said about any potential racing return.
Trunkenpolz added: “Participating in series like Moto2, Superbike or Supersport World Championships is out of the question. These series don’t suit the brand.
“MV once prevailed against global competition in the highest motorcycle racing category with first-class technology. We want to preserve this legacy, so participating in other series doesn’t make sense.”
Trunkenpolz also revealed potential sponsors have approached MV Agusta should they be able to partake in MotoGP in the near future.
However, he stressed that the company is retaining a rational approach to a return to motorsport.
“Some potential sponsors have already approached us and announced they would be onboard if we planned to enter,” Trunkenpolz said.
“But we are realists and know that developing and building our own MotoGP engine for the years 2027 to 2031 is an illusion.
“We’re confident we can find a chassis partner and build a professional team structure, but we need 850cc engines from another manufacturer.”
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